Heritage of America featuring the Military Tattoo

Follow the epic story of American democracy. Join a local guide on a tour of New York City, featuring the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village and other time honored landmarks. View the Liberty Bell and see Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Walk the hallowed battlefield at Gettysburg and tour the National Military Park & Museum. Enjoy a choice between visiting President Eisenhower's home (a National Historic Site) or a walking tour of historic downtown Gettysburg. Travel along the famous Skyline drive for amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley, and sample wines from a picturesque Virginia vineyard. Visit the presidential estates of Washington's Mount Vernon and Jefferson's Monticello. Tour some of Colonial Williamsburg's 88 restored historic buildings and dine in a traditional tavern. Attend the Virginia International Tattoo in Norfolk, the largest event of its kind in the United States where all branches of the military perform under the same roof. Explore the countless treasures of the Smithsonian Institution with your choice of visiting the National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Tour Washington, D.C.'s National Mall and view the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Visit Arlington National Cemetery.

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New York City: Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome breakfast at the famous Ellen's Stardust Diner. Then, a local guide leads you on a fascinating tour of the 'Big Apple.' You'll see Greenwich Village, the Wall Street district, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and other time-honored landmarks. Visit St. Paul's Chapel in Lower Manhattan, a place where George Washington once worshipped, and where recovery workers came for rest and care during their time at the World Trade Center site. This afternoon, discover 'the city that never sleeps' at your own pace.

New York City - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Gettysburg: This morning the choice is yours! Choose from a menu of New York's diners for breakfast. Next, travel to Philadelphia and embark on a tour of 'the Birthplace of a New Nation' which highlights the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Independence Hall is rich in heritage as the location of both the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. Continue on to Gettysburg, site of the Union victory that marked a turning point in the Civil War. En route, travel through the Amish Country of Lancaster, the second-largest Amish community in America, and view the community farmlands. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a historic Gettysburg tavern.

Gettysburg: Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum. Begin your tour by experiencing the film 'A New Birth of Freedom.' View the breathtaking Cyclorama, a 360-degree cylindrical painting by the French artist Paul Philippoteaux, depicting the climactic battle of Pickett's Charge. This original 1884 work of art is the largest in the country. Continue on to discover the Museum of the American Civil War and explore its galleries. Step onto the battlefield with a guided tour of the site illuminating those three historic days in 1863 and the decisive battle that changed the course of American history forever. This afternoon the choice is yours. You may choose to visit President Eisenhower's home (a National Historic Site) where you will tour his farm; this site served as the President's weekend retreat and as a meeting place for world leaders during the Cold War-era tensions. Or perhaps you would prefer to embark on a guided walking tour of historic downtown Gettysburg with a local expert dressed in period clothing who will bring to life the true stories of the town's civilians who were caught up in the battle. Tonight, enjoy a home-cooked family-style meal in a historic barn (dating back to 1764) and experience life on a third generation family-owned farm.

Gettysburg - Shenandoah Valley - Charlottesville, Virginia: Today we make our way to Virginia. Along the way, travel through Shenandoah National Park via the famous Skyline Drive, along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where scenic expanses of Shenandoah Valley wilderness extend in all directions. Pause at a local vineyard set in the picturesque countryside. Set out on a tour of the winery followed by a tasting of their delicious wines. This afternoon, explore Charlottesville's historic Downtown Mall, one of the longest pedestrian malls in the U.S., before dining at a local restaurant.

Charlottesville - Williamsburg: Visit Monticello, the beautiful home and gardens of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was not only the third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence, but he was an accomplished inventor and true 'Renaissance man.' This afternoon, arrive in the historic town of Williamsburg. Tonight, begin your journey into Revolutionary-age America by dining in a Colonial Williamsburg tavern specializing in colonial fare.

Colonial Williamsburg - Norfolk - Williamsburg: Open the day by viewing 'Story of a Patriot,' a short film that introduces you to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the world's finest living history museums. Costumed reenactors populate the streets and buildings, bringing the customs and sentiments of 1770 to life. Tour the Governor's Palace and Gardens before enjoying time to independently wander the cobblestone streets and explore some of the 88 historic buildings. This afternoon you are in for a treat when you attend the Virginia International Tattoo, the largest event of its kind in the United States where all branches of the military perform under the same roof.

Williamsburg - Washington, D.C.: Visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the first U.S. president, George Washington. Wander the beautiful plantation grounds he adored and tour the home, filled with 18th-century artifacts. Then, travel to Washington, D.C. Explore the world-famous Smithsonian Institution's countless treasures. Choose between a visit to the famed National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Among the National Air and Space Museum's collection in the location on the National Mall are the famous Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module Columbia. The National Museum of American History features artifacts from locomotives to the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the national anthem; to the First Ladies Hall containing many ball gowns worn by America's First Ladies. The evening is free to continue to explore on your own.

Washington, D.C.: This morning, a guided tour of America's capital affords wonderful views of the Capitol building, the White House, monuments and museums. Your first stop will be the White House Visitor Center where you will gain insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone. Continue your tour with a stop at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Your tour ends with a photo stop at the U.S. Capitol building. This afternoon, visit Arlington National Cemetery to view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. Toast the end of a wonderful trip this evening at a farewell dinner.

* NOTE:Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies. Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.

Tours

Follow the epic story of American democracy. Join a local guide on a tour of New York City, featuring the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village and other time honored landmarks. View the Liberty Bell and see Independence Hall in Philadelphia.